Future of new athletic complex at Messalonskee in hands of school boardRSU 18 board to decide whether voters see plans for $3.8M upgrade in November.

.., The project would include an abundance of upgrades at the school, including: An eight-lane track, replacing the grass field used exclusively for football with multi-sport artificial turf, upgrading lighting and renovating the grandstand area to bring it into compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. The construction of such a complex would turn Messalonskee into central Maine’s gold standard for high school athletic facilities.

The Messalonskee All Sports Boosters has already spent nearly $35,000 to assess the feasibility of such a project, according to organization president Lisa Burton.

Sebago Technics was hired over the winter to test the area, as well as produce cost estimates and artist renderings.

“To me, it’s a win-win for everybody,” said Burton, who added that 40 percent of Messalonskee’s student population participates in a varsity sport that would be directly impacted by the renovations. “It would be huge for our entire community. Everybody deserves a safe place to play, walk and recreate. There’s something for everybody.”